The template 

The first step is to select your template and resize it to the size that best fits the pumpkin. 

I have left my template black, orange and yellow for this example.  Most templates will be black, grey and white. 

Tip:  I will show you how to create your own templates in the next section.

Cut a half-inch to inch around the template and tape it to the pumpkin.  The template at times can be challenging to tape on straight so you will need to take your time when attaching it to your pumpkin. 

The Black areas on my template are going to be left alone.  The Yellow areas are going to be cutout and the Orange areas will be cut down or shaved 50 percent.

Transferring the image to the pumpkin

 I then take my punch tool and carefully punch through the template and outer skin of the pumpkin.  I keep my holes about 1/8 or less of an inch apart.

Here is what the template looks like after I have outlined my design with the hole-punch.   

 Make sure that every part of the design has been outlined.

This is what my punch tool looks like.  I got my punch from a Pumpkin Masters kit that I picked up at Wal-Mart. 

 You can also use a nail, straight pin, or any other sharp object that can make a small hole.